Destined flame

“It’s almost time for the Orland’s winter ball isn’t it Dante?” Despite her bright tone, there was no warmth in his mother’s words and her dull, brown eyes were void of emotion, as usual. Turning away from her empty eyes, he faced his father, the lanky man looking unbothered in his cushioned black armchair. Seeing the light from the fireplace land on his father’s side profile, Dante couldn’t help but notice how similar they were, from his stark black hair to his reddish-brown terracotta skin and even the golden brown of his eyes. The more he thought about their similarities, the more he hated the expectations placed on the males of his family.

Stepping towards him, Dante was careful to put a few meters of distance between them, just in case. Gripping the worn leather hilt of his sword out of habit, he took a deep breath to collect his thoughts, his words somehow coming out firm and steady as he said, “I shouldn’t have to tell you this but I will because I care.”

Not even seeming fazed, his father looked directly at him, the elder Lockwood fixing his gaze on his young and inexperienced son. Without waiting for any sort of response Dante continued, “I am going to naturally find a suitable marriage partner at the ball with my own abilities.”

The corners of his father’s lips twitched and after a few seconds of holding it back, he clutched the side of his armchair as a deep laughter shook his whole body, the foreign sound bouncing off the high ceiling and echoing through the quiet family library.

From the corner of his eye, Dante saw his mother move towards his father, a pleasant expression on her face as she pulled out a handkerchief and bent down to wipe the tears that appeared at the corner of his father’s eyes from laughing too much. Seeing her fluid movements and devotion to every word and thought from his father brought shivers up Dante’s spine and the young man could only look down at his hand, his grip tightening on the sword to avoid seeing the scene before him, unable to picture himself living such a bleak life with a wife void of self-expression.

“Do what you want, it’s not like you can actually get someone decent without using magic,” his father responded, a venomous tone in his rough voice. Meeting his gaze, Dante knew he had to hold his ground but he suddenly felt the heavy pressure of his father’s magic press on his entire being.

It was a little more difficult than expected to get out of his father’s mental grip, Dante focusing on the memory of his trips to the bustling town square during the seasonal festivals, the hundreds of options awaiting him filling him with a passion for adventure. He always had to sneak out to join these festivals since nobles like him would only make the commoners feel uncomfortable with their presence, or that’s what he was taught in school at least. Despite that, he made his own choices for himself and even those who interacted with him chose to acquaint themselves with a stranger like him. He could never imagine not having a choice, much less taking away someone else's choice.

Before he knew it, a warm, orange light surrounded him and he pressed on, remembering and savouring the strong feelings in his heart and mind to break out of the mental cage his father had trapped him in. In an instant, it was as if he felt life return within him. He felt sensations he never paid much attention to like the soft beating of his heart and the heaving of his chest as he took in multiple deep breaths.

Expecting to see some sort of reaction from his father, Dante was once again let down by his own heavy emotions when his father’s face remained as he remembered it since childhood, stoic and unimpressed. The soft ticking of the grandfather clock persisted as the father and son pair continued staring at each, their gazes unwavering.

The stubborn side of Dante wanted to continue this cold battle all day but a thought struck him that he’d just be like any male in his family if he chose to face his father like this. Rather he had enough of that, he wanted, no, needed to be his own person. Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath, he released his grip on his sword’s hilt, bringing both hands up to hold them behind his back instead. Relaxing his facial muscles, Dante met his father’s gaze, the old man’s eyes calculating his every move.

“I’m not going to be like you or uncle or grandfather. I am my own person with my own capabilities and I refuse to partake in stupid family traditions that only cause harm to the partners that you’re meant to love.” His voice was strong yet full of emotion, something he knew his father would see him as lesser for. Despite knowing that, Dante felt relief fill his entire being, his black flames surrounding him as if in support of his actions, enveloping his body like a warm hug.

Observing his father’s never changing expression, Dante couldn't help but stare at him for a few seconds before turning on his heel and striding towards the large oak doors of the library, leaving his parents behind, or rather just one stubborn old man and a mindless minion.

Weeks passed and as preparations for the Orland winter ball were underway, Adela slowly grew more tired being dragged along by Lily almost daily to all kinds of shops in town. Despite wanting to give all her energy to help her friend with her entire outfit ensemble, she couldn't help but feel drained from simply watching the pace at which Lily was going through all the dresses, accessories and shoes.

"Why are you trying to look extra good anyway?" When Lily turned slightly in her dressing chair to give her friend a wink, Adela pressed on, "Is it for Price Marcus?"

Her friend giggled a little in response and Adela only grew more curious, the girl walking up from behind to sit in the little ottoman next to her. As her hairstylist did her hair, Lily tilted her head slightly to look at her friend, her eyes shining with anticipation as she saw the playful smile on her friend's face, wanting to surprise her as she said, "It's for Dante Lockwood."

She expected to see Adela's light brown eyes widen in disbelief but the slight fall of her smile took her aback, not expecting to see conflict in her friend's expression. Adela being Adela, she quickly got back to her senses and her warm smile returned to her face, her eyes gentle as she looked at Lily, her voice soft as she said, "Well I'm just glad you're motivated for something."

"It's just that my parents expect Dante to propose to me so it's not like I truly want to be with him," she quickly replied, her voice a pitch higher as she said, "You know how the Lockwoods are."

"Yeah don't we all. All the Lockwood males just somehow managed to get married into the wealthiest families all over the country in the last few centuries despite all the other worthy candidates." There was slight sarcasm in Adela's voice, the skeptic in her showing even more since this now had something to do with her closest friend.

Moving to Lily's bed, Adela picked up and hugged the penguin pillow she had bought for her friend, carefully picking her words as she tried to reason with her, "Don't you think it's weird how they move far away with their new wives as soon as they're married? Based on what I've heard, the Lockwood wives rarely attend balls or gatherings which is something you love right?"

Seeing the contemplation in her friend's face was enough for her and with that, Adela excused herself, "I have to go get ready too so I'll see you in a bit, okay?"

It didn't take long for the men to line up before Lily for a dance as soon as the ball began, everyone trying to get on the good side of the daughter of the house. She complied of course, for it was her duty as the eldest and unmarried daughter of the Orland family. Despite that, she paid partial attention to the dances that she was being led on, her eyes searching the ballroom for a familiar head of black hair.

As she looked around, something in the corner caught her eye and as she turned to face toward it, a gasp left her lips as she saw her friend in a stunning ball gown, her bouffant skirt a soft orange in contrast to the slightly sunset orange of her top half. Quickly excusing herself, Lily quickly but elegantly made her way towards her friend, a bright smile on her face.

"You're right, orange does look good on you." As Lily circled around her friend, Adela felt heat rise to her ears as she noticed how everyone who was staring at Lily now stared at her. She should be used to it by now but the attention her friend brought her way never ceased to amaze her.

Compared to that, there was another person who had an even stronger effect and both girls noticed it too, the boisterous chatter changing to hushed whispers among the crowd, their attention towards the main doors. The familiar dark hair of the Lockwood family came to view, three of them. The eldest Lockwood, Julius front and centre, followed by his younger brother Victor on his right and finally Julius' son Dante on his left. Their features were amazingly similar yet their looks were drastically different, Julius with his head held high, Victor with his playful smile, and Dante with a stoic expression.

It didn't take long for the noise to grow as the Lockwoods started mingling with the nobles they had close relations with, Adela always amazed by the attention their mere presence brought. Meeting Lily's gaze, she saw a glint of excitement in her friend's eye and she opened the conversation first, "Do you want to go talk to him?"

"No need he's coming this way." In a hushed whisper her friend's voice conveyed anticipation and Adela had to turn and look where she was looking and sure enough, Dante Lockwood was walking their way and she couldn't help but notice how big he's gotten, his broad shoulders filling his dark blue suit well, his tall frame nearing them.

Surprisingly, Dante stopped in front of Adela, his figure towering above her. Tilting her head up to meet his gaze, she was shocked to see how Dante had to look from side to side multiple times before he could look her straight in the eye. Clearing his throat, Dante reached his hand out towards her, his voice wavering slightly as he said, "Could I please have this dance Miss Marinus?"

Turning to look at Lily, Adela saw the confusion and hurt in her friend's eye, her voice coming out louder than she expected as she responded, "I'm in no position to accept your hand Sir so please, do not make me feel obliged to do so."

"No, no, I genuinely… want to dance with you Adela." The sincerity in his voice and the sadness in his beautiful golden brown eyes tugged at her heartstrings, he hadn't called her Adela since they were children and unaware of the way their worlds worked.

Feeling a hand on the small of her back, she faced Lily, a small encouraging smile on her friend's face. Biting her lips, Adela slipped her hand into Dante's. The chatter around them grew as she did so and she instantly wanted to pull her hand back but before she could, Dante's grip on her tightened, and she looked up to see a gentle smile on his face, one she hadn't seen in ages.

They both knew that what they were doing might be pointless and dangerous, but at that moment they only saw each other. It was from that day forth that trials would await them, for there was no way to escape the destiny of a Lockwood.